Thursday, December 19, 2013

CONCORD, N.C. -- The late Dale Earnhardt's famed No. 3 will be back on track in the elite Sprint Cup Series next season with Austin Dillon using the number.

The move has been long anticipated because car owner Richard Childress has allowed his grandson to use the No. 3 as he's moved through NASCAR's ranks.

"I know in my heart, today, as I sit here, Dale Earnhardt is smiling down," Childress said at Wednesday's unveiling. "He would want to see this 3. He didn't want it to ever go away. But I felt it was the thing to do right after Daytona, and I know today that he's accepting this highly. I knew him that well."

The number has not been used since Earnhardt's death in the 2001 season-opening Daytona 500. The car was rebranded to No. 29 for Kevin Harvick following Earnhardt's fatal accident.

But Dillon has been using it NASCAR national competition since 2009, when he made his Truck Series debut in the No. 3. He won the Truck championship in 2011 driving the No. 3 for Richard Childress Racing, and the Nationwide title this year in the same number.

Childress kept the number out of the Cup Series, though, intent on hanging on to it for the right driver.

"We held the number, I've been paying NASCAR for it throughout the years and Bill (France) Jr. told me 'You know, if we're ever challenged, we'll have to let someone have that 3,' " Childress said. "But we weren't, and I knew that the right opportunity would come. It would have to be an Earnhardt or one of the Childress family that we would put behind that."

Childress said he publicly floated the idea of allowing Dillon to use the No. 3 at the start of the year to get a fan response, and got 90 percent positive feedback the day after he mentioned the number.

"That said to me it was time, and if Austin wanted to it was his choice," Childress said.

Dillon said he was ready, and it's the only number he's ever used in NASCAR.

"My grandfather has done a great job of teaching me how to handle certain responses to things, and I think we're going to go forward with it," Dillon said. "I've heard a lot of good feedback from the fans, and every time I'm at an autograph session I've had someone ask what's going to happen. They are excited and we are, too, at RCR.

"It's what our sport was built on -- family and history -- and a great opportunity for all of our sport to see this No. 3 back on the track."

The No. 3 Chevrolet will be sponsored by Dow, Bass Pro, Realtree and General Mills. Neither of the two paint schemes unveiled Wednesday resembled the dominant black cars driven by Earnhardt, winner of seven Cup titles and a first ballot Hall of Famer.

But Childress believed just having the No. 3 back in the series will help resurrect Earnhardt's legacy.

"My hope is that Dale Earnhardt fans will be re-energized and say 'Hey, it gives me something to look at,' " he said. "We know we aren't going to please everyone. We know that. We are going to do our best to make them proud and I know Austin will. I think the new fans will learn a lot about the great Dale Earnhardt by watching this."

Gil Martin, who led Harvick to six berths in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, will be crew chief for Dillon.

Childress said he's consulted with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley, every time he's moved the No. 3 to a different level on the track and the Earnhardt family has been supportive. Earnhardt Jr. declined to use the No. 3 following his father's death, but has raced the number in the Nationwide Series.

"I would be worried if I didn't think he'd respect it or not understand the legacy, but he does. I know he does. He appreciates it," Earnhardt Jr. said last week of Dillon using the No. 3.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch signs autographs at a fanfest hosted by Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the Third Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience on December 4, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Miss Sprint Cup Brooke Werner interviews Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano at a fanfest hosted by Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the Third Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience on December 4, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and girlfriend Amy Reimann pose for a picture at the NASCAR Evening Series Presented by Bank of America at Carnevino at The Palazzo Las Vegas on December 4, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fanfest hosted by Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the Third Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience

The six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ champion’s rounds of Las Vegas media outlets began early Tuesday with interviews with a pair of top-rated rock and country music radio stations; CBS, FOX and Univision television outlets; MRN Radio and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The FOX studio boasts a NASCAR-themed slot machine, at which celebrities are invited to try their luck – all in the name of charity. Johnson hit a $250 jackpot to which he added $300 for donation to the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Johnson also participated in a Q&A session at the 2013 NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum and then visited the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign at the south end of the famed Las Vegas Strip where he signed autographs for waiting fans.

Tuesday’s activities wound down with a round of photos and the annual Champion’s Dinner with NASCAR President Mike Helton and others. The action-packed week culminates with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards™ (Dec. 6, with FOX Sports 2 and NASCAR.com providing coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET; Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 at 8 p.m. ET).

It’s been three years since Johnson celebrated a championship in Las Vegas although as a Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ contender he attended the 2011-12 ceremonies. That obviously motivated Johnson to return to the head table – which he’s now done six times.

“Winning races does it all,” he told NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum attendees. “That is my focus and my brand. What is next, (that’s) what keeps you motivated.”

That Johnson is one championship away from matching the record seven NASCAR Sprint Cup titles won by NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt figured prominently in questions Johnson fielded during the day’s events.

He admitted to still being a bit overwhelmed by his success.

Jimmie Johnson on the Las Vegas strip with trophy No. 6

“I never could have dreamed this big; when I hear my name mentioned alongside Petty and Earnhardt,” he said. “It still feels surreal.”

Champion’s Week activities for Johnson began Monday in Los Angeles where the Californian visited the FOX Sports campus. He appeared on FOX Sports 1’s FOX Sports Live and taped segments with The OT and UFC Tonight, the latter slated to air at 7 p.m. ET, on Wednesday, Dec. 4. A sit-down interview with FOX’s Curt Menefee also will be broadcast at a later date.

Before flying to Los Angeles, Johnson and his crew chief Chad Knaus visited the corporate headquarters of the No. 48 team’s sponsor Lowe’s in Mooresville, N.C., where they presented the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship trophy to a large crowd of associates.

Here are upcoming Champion’s Week events at a glance (all times local PT unless noted):

Wednesday, Dec. 4

·2013 NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum: The 14th annual NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum, presented by SportsBusiness Daily / Global / Journal, is the motorsports industry’s most comprehensive business forum. Held at Aria Resort & Casino, the Forum will provide a 360-degree overview of motorsports by featuring insight and perspective from sports and marketing executives both within and outside the motorsports industry. Registration is required at www.MotorsportsMarketingForum.com.

Wednesday – Friday, Dec. 4-6

·NASCAR Pit Stop Tour: The NASCARPit Stop Tour consists of Official Partner show cars featured in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas Strip from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day. Fans can get up close and personal with the cars at the following locations: Tropicana (Chevrolet), The Palazzo (Ford), Harrah’s (Ford), the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign (2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion show car), the Coca-Cola store and M&M’S World.

·M&M’S® To Make the NASCAR CHAMPION’S WEEK™ ‘BETTER WITH M’: M&M’S will celebrate the 2013 NASCAR season and the strongest finish yet for Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota Camry, by giving away one million free bags of M&M’S. The giveaway in Las Vegas will be part of the NASCAR Pit Stop Tour and NASCAR Victory Lap.

Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus enjoying view from Foundation Room

Wednesday, Dec. 4

·Fanfest Presented by Las Vegas Motor Speedway: The fifth annual LVMS Fanfest will again be held at the Fremont Street Experience, and begin at 1:30 p.m. with the arrival of the 13 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. This event is free to the public and will consist of a red carpet walk by the 13 drivers, followed by a special “game show format” on-stage event featuring the drivers. Race fans will have the chance to win two tickets to the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards to be held two nights later at Wynn Las Vegas.

·Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Reception: This year’s finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award will be honored at a reception at Wynn Las Vegas from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The NASCAR Foundation will announce the award winner during this year’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards on Friday, Dec. 6. Fans can cast their vote for the 2013 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award winner by visitingwww.NASCAR.com/award before 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 5.

Thursday, Dec. 5

·NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon: The annual awards luncheon and industry gathering will be held from 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. in the Encore Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas, where several team and individual awards will be presented. Among those awards included are the Champion Sponsor, Champion Crew Chief, Sunoco Rookie of the Year and NMPA Most Popular Driver awards. The event will be live-streamed onwww.NASCAR.com.

·NASCAR Victory Lap: The green flag on the fan-favorite NASCAR Victory Lap will wave at 3:30 p.m. with pre-lap festivities beginning at 2:45 p.m., when the 13 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers parade down Las Vegas Boulevard in their race cars. NASCAR Victory Lap will start and finish in front of the Miracle Mile Shops on Las Vegas Boulevard and will once again provide fans with a unique experience to feel the excitement of NASCAR, featuring driver introductions, an authentic pit stop in front of the Fountains of Bellagio (performed by members of the NASCAR Drive

for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program Presented by Sprint) and two burnout sections – with viewing areas along the route. Portions of the event will be broadcast live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 andwww.NASCAR.com will live-stream the event.

·NASCAR After The Lap sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola: One of the premier events of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week, NASCAR After The Lap sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola will be held from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at The Pearl Palms Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Hotel. Fans can purchase tickets atwww.NASCARAfterTheLap.comfor $20 each (all ticket proceeds benefit The NASCAR Foundation) to attend the fan-favorite event featuring all 13 Chase

for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. Among the many highlights from NASCAR After The Lap’s humorous history are Jeff Gordon break dancing and Denny Hamlin doing “The Dougie.” The event will be broadcast live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 and www.NASCAR.com will live-stream the event.

Friday, Dec. 6

·2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards: The postseason black-tie event will begin at 5 p.m. at Wynn Las Vegas, where the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver and owner will be crowned and the top-10 drivers in the final standings will be honored. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards, the culmination of Champion’s Week, will feature the NASCAR Fan Reception, Red Carpet Walk, celebrity guests, music and entertainment. FOX Sports 2, www.NASCAR.com, Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 will provide coverage of the event.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, NASCAR Nationwide Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) governs the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information, visit www.nascar.com and follow NASCAR at www.facebook.com/NASCARand Twitter: @NASCAR.

NASCAR Celebrates Five Years In Las Vegas With Action-Packed Schedule Of Events

NASCAR Champions week in Vegas is always a must see fun event

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2013) — For the fifth-consecutive year, NASCAR will return to Las Vegas for the postseason NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week™, a star-studded, entertainment-filled celebration for the series champion and fans, culminating with one of NASCAR’s marquee events, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. Since 2009, the awards have been held at Wynn Las Vegas and have grown in stature and prestige with each passing year.

This year’s awards will take place Dec. 6, returning to Wynn Las Vegas with FOX Sports 2 and NASCAR.com providing coverage from 9 p.m. – midnight ET. Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 will provide live coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The show will also re-air on FOX Sports 1 at noon ET on Dec. 8.

Among the fan-friendly and interactive events this year are the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon, the annual event where drivers and teams collect a number of year-end awards and accolades; NASCAR Victory Lap down the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, featuring burnouts and an authentic pit stop; and NASCAR After The Lap™ sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola, an interactive Q&A session between fans and all 13 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ drivers.

Once again this year, fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion™ at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. Approximately 200 tickets were made available to fans through various promotions, contests and giveaways sponsored by NASCAR Official Partners, race tracks and race teams. Fan tickets will offer fans access to the following NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week experiences:

·NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon

·NASCAR After The Lap

·NASCAR Fan Reception and Red Carpet Walk

·NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards

Following is a rundown of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week activities; all times are local.

Tuesday, Dec. 3

·NASCAR Live: For the third year in a row, Eli Gold will sit down for an hour with the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion to discuss the 2013 season and what winning the championship means. NASCAR Live will air from inside the Sports Book at Wynn Las Vegas from 4-5 p.m. on Motor Racing Network Radio. This event is free to the public and fans in attendance will have a chance to participate in the live broadcast.

Tuesday – Wednesday, Dec. 3 – 4

·2013 NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum: The 14th annual NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum, presented by SportsBusiness Daily/Global/Journal, is the motorsports industry’s most comprehensive business forum. Held at Aria Resort & Casino, the Forum will provide a 360-degree overview of motorsports by featuring insight and perspective from sports and marketing executives both within and outside the motorsports industry. Registration is required at www.MotorsportsMarketingForum.com.

Tuesday – Friday, Dec. 3 – 6

·NASCAR Pit Stop Tour: The NASCARPit Stop Tour consists of Official Partner show cars featured in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas Strip from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day. Fans can get up close and personal with the cars at the following locations: Tropicana (Chevrolet), The Palazzo (Ford), Harrah’s (Ford), the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign (2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion show car), the Coca-Cola store and M&M’S World.

·M&M’S® To Make the CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP™ ‘BETTER WITH M’: Should Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota Camry, capture the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, the brand will celebrate with America by giving away one million free bags of M&M’S. The giveaway in Las Vegas will be part of the NASCAR Pit Stop Tour, with sampling teams up and down the Las Vegas Strip.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

·Fanfest Presented by Las Vegas Motor Speedway: The fifth annual LVMS Fanfest will again be held at the Fremont Street Experience, and begin at 1:30 p.m. with the arrival of the 13 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. This event is free to the public and will consist of a red carpet walk by the 13 drivers, followed by a special “game show format” on-stage event featuring the drivers. Race fans will have the chance to win two tickets to the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards to be held two nights later at Wynn Las Vegas.

·Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Reception: This year’s finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award will be honored at a reception at Wynn Las Vegas from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The NASCAR Foundation will announce the award winner during this year’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards on Friday, Dec. 6. Fans can cast their vote for the 2013 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award winner by visitingwww.NASCAR.com/award before 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 5.

Thursday, Dec. 5

·NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon: The annual awards luncheon and industry gathering will be held from 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. in the Encore Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas, where several team and individual awards will be presented. Among those awards included are the Champion Sponsor, Champion Crew Chief, Sunoco Rookie of the Year and NMPA Most Popular Driver awards. The event will be live-streamed onwww.NASCAR.com.

·NASCAR Victory Lap: The green flag on the fan-favorite NASCAR Victory Lap will wave at 3:30 p.m., with pre-lap festivities to begin at 2:45 p.m., when the 13 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers parade down Las Vegas Boulevard in their race cars. NASCAR Victory Lap will start and finish in front of the Miracle Mile Shops on Las Vegas Boulevard and will once again provide fans with a unique experience to feel the excitement of NASCAR, featuring driver introductions, an authentic pit stop in front of the Fountains of Bellagio (performed by members of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program Presented by Sprint) and two burnout sections – with viewing areas along the route. Portions of the event will be broadcast live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 and www.NASCAR.com will live-stream the event.

·NASCAR After The Lap sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola: One of the premier events of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week, NASCAR After The Lap sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. at The Pearl Palms Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Hotel. Fans can purchase tickets atwww.NASCARAfterTheLap.comfor $20 each (all ticket proceeds benefit The NASCAR Foundation) to attend the fan-favorite event featuring all 13 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. Among the many highlights from NASCAR After The Lap’s humorous history are Jeff Gordon break dancing and Denny Hamlin doing “The Dougie.” The event will be broadcast live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 and www.NASCAR.com will live-stream the event.

Friday, Dec. 6

·2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards: The postseason black-tie event will begin at 5 p.m. at Wynn Las Vegas, where the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver and owner will be crowned and the top-10 drivers in the final standings will be honored. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards, the culmination of Champion’s Week, will feature the NASCAR Fan Reception, Red Carpet Walk, celebrity guests, music and entertainment. FOX Sports 2, www.NASCAR.com, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 will provide coverage of the event.

The next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race – Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Race No. 9 – will take place at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, with additional coverage on NASCAR.com.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) governs the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information, visit www.NASCAR.com and follow NASCAR at www.facebook.com/NASCAR and Twitter: @NASCAR.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

LAS VEGAS - Jimmie Johnson hasn't even completed his victory lap around the television talk show circuit after his 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup title, yet on Tuesday afternoon William Hill sports books in Nevada opened up their odds to win 2014's Sprint Cup with, of course, Johnson listed as the driver to beat once again at 3-to-1. 2013 Sprint Cup runner-up Matt Kenseth is the second choice at 11-to-2 (+550, bet $1 to win $5.50) odds.

The big difference between last season's Sprint Cup odds and 2014 is that there aren't a lot of uncertainties coming into the season. The big story coming into the 2013 season was the arrival of the Gen-6 car. The initial belief was that Hendrick Motorsports would be ahead of the curve like they were in 2007 when the Car of Tomorrow was introduced on a limited race schedule, and they lived up to the projections.

Last season also saw the defending Sprint Cup winner Brad Keselowski and his Penske Racing team switch manufacturers from Dodge to Ford. The transition proved to be rough as Keselowski failed to make the Chase and didn't win until race No. 31 at Charlotte, his only win of the season. With a year under his belt in the new car and with Ford, Keselowski is 15-to-1 to win in 2014.

The only major change coming into the 2014 season is Kevin Harvick switching over from Richard Childress Racing, where he's been since 2001 when he took over the legendary No. 3 car for Dale Earnhardt, to Stewart-Haas Racing. Harvick's car will look similar because he'll still be in a Chevy and also brought Budweiser over as a sponsor, but his new can number will be No. 4.

Despite the change, Harvick's odds still resemble what they were last season when his first number posted was 16-to-1 at the Wynn sports book. William Hill has tabbed him at 15-to-1 odds to win in 2014. Stewart-Haas will also welcome Kurt Busch to the team as driver of the No. 41 car with odds on him posted at 30-to-1. The boss, Tony Stewart, comes in at 15-to-1 while the fourth Stewart-Haas driver Danica Patrick, in her second full Cup season, opens at 250-to-1 odds.

Everything begins and ends with Jimmie Johnson who just won his sixth Sprint Cup trophy in eight seasons. One more title and he'll tie NASCAR royalty, Richard Petty and Earnhardt, for the most in history with seven. The thing that was so impressive about Johnson's title in 2013 was that he didn't dominate on the 1.5-mile tracks like he had in his previous five championship seasons. Usually the key to winning a title is by faring well on the type of tracks that there are the most of, yet Johnson only won once in the 11 races held on 1.5-mile tracks.

Kenseth was the best on 1.5-mile tracks in 2013 with four wins, and it was obvious that Joe Gibbs Racing was ahead of everyone else on the big horsepower tracks. Along with Kenseth's four wins, teammate Kyle Busch won twice on those tracks along with a win at Fontana's 2-mile layout. Busch's fourth-place finish in the Chase was the best of his career and he is listed as the third favorite to win in 2014 at 13-to-2 odds.

The big wild card in 2014 will be Denny Hamlin, who came into 2013 as one of the favorites to win it all 7-to-1 just behind Johnson's 7-to-2 odds, but missed four races with a back injury and then got stuck in the middle of Toyota using his car as a Guinea Pig towards the later half of the season. For 2014, William Hill has posted him at 15-to-1 which may be the best value on the board just because of his affiliation with JGR. Not to mention, he closed the 2013 season with a win at Homestead to keep his streak alive of winning at least one race in each of his first eight full seasons.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. failed to earn a checkered flag in 2013, but he still managed to run well enough to compete for wins and finished the season fifth in points. Because of such a successful season and being affiliated with HMS, Earnhardt is listed as the 7-to-1 fourth choice to win the 2014 title. The low odds also have to do with supply and demand. Even though Earnhardt Jr. has never won a title, and has won only two races in seven seasons - both at Michigan - the sports books have to anticipate the Junior Nation coming strong as usual and have saddled his odds lower than they probably should be.

Jeff Gordon has been looking for his fifth Sprint Cup title since 2002 which, not so coincidentally, is the same season he brought Johnson into the HMS stable full-time. Gordon finished sixth in 2013 with only one win and has lots of promise for 2014, but his 10-to-1 odds won't get people running to the bet windows.

Carl Edwards is 18-to-1 followed by Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne and Joey Logano at 20-to-1 each. Martin Truex Jr. leaves Michael Waltrip Racing and will drive the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevy in 2014, the car that Kurt Busch ran like one of the best on 1.5-mile tracks in 2013. Truex Jr. is one of the best on 1.5-mile tracks himself and brought his entire pit crew from MWR over to the new team, an area the No. 78 team struggled with throughout 2013. Truex Jr. is 30-to-1 to win it all next season.

The driver everyone is waiting to see what number will be posted is Austin Dillon, the grandchild of Richard Childress. No one cares about his 75-to-1 odds to win the 2014 Sprint Cup as a rookie, but what we all want to see is if Childress believes enough time has passed and unretires the famous No. 3 car. Cheerios is set to be the primary sponsor and Dillon will inherit the stable of cars from the No. 29 garage that Harvick drove to finish third in points.